The days are growing short and the flowers are gone. Snow has already fallen in the mountains but retreated again, pushed back by our lingering Indian summer. The Thorp Mountain lookout near Salmon La Sac is a great hike for that transitional season between fall and winter. Besides, a fresh dusting of snow only enhances the frail beauty of the lookout near Salmon La Sac.

Hiking guides suggest that mid-October is the deadline, but if weather patterns don't change drastically over the next week or so, hikers can still make a dash for the lookout. The views of Mount Rainier, Mount Stuart, Mount Daniel and the Dutch Miller Gap-area peaks are a major attraction, but a moody day with billowing fog also can be a poetic experience.

There's something almost mystical about hiking through a fog bank as landforms and man-made structures slowly come into view. And on a clear day, the visual blow of clearcuts and logging roads that checker this region are softened by the glint of Kachess Lake below.

The Thorp Mountain lookout is on Kachess Ridge. The gable-roofed lookout was constructed in 1931, but getting to the lookout in the 1930s was a challenge. Today it is a popular hike, a mere 2 1/2-mile jaunt from the Knox Creek trailhead, but 70 years ago packers had to cross the Cle Elum River on horseback (there was no bridge then), and horses and mules often balked at crossing the final steep snow slopes before the lookout. Packers sometimes had to shovel footsteps for them.

There are several approaches to the lookout, but -- given the shorter days -- we recommend the Knox Creek route. Knox Creek Trail No. 1315.1 is the shortest and most direct route. The trail begins at an elevation of 4,200 feet. The lookout, which is sometimes inhabited, is at 5,854 feet. This also is a great summer hike as the trail climbs through a steep flower meadow interspersed with rocky outcroppings. This month the meadow was bright with fall color and flowers gone to seed.

After contouring the large meadow, the Knox Creek Trail enters forest and, in about 1 1/4 miles, joins Kachess Ridge Trail No. 1315 (5,300 feet according to Green Trails). Turn right (north) and continue along the ridge with minor ups and downs to a viewpoint above Thorp Lake.

In about a half-mile from the Knox Creek/Kachess Ridge trail junction, you'll come to another junction at about 5,100 feet. The Thorp Mountain Trail (right) continues about half a mile, gaining another 700 feet of elevation to the lookout. The Kachess Ridge Trail continues (straight) several miles to road No. (4600)125 near Cooper Pass. Plan to return next summer for longer one-way hikes and/or loops. A look at the map will suggest several enticing possibilities.

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